Six Nations announce bonus point system that will delight all fans of attacking rugby

This could have a massive impact on how future Six Nations championships are played out, and how titles are decided.

From the next Six Nations on - starting with a trial period in 2017 - there will be bonus points awarded in the senior men's, women's and U20 championships. A press release from the Six Nations states: 'As part of their review of the Championships, the Council took the decision to implement a bonus point system to encourage and reward try scoring and attacking play.' Here is how the points will be awarded:

• The country that wins the Match shall be awarded 4 Match Points or (if it scores four tries or more in the process) 5 Match Points.
• The country that loses the Match shall be awarded 0 Match Points or (if it scores four tries or more in the process or loses by a margin of seven points or fewer) 1 Match Point or (if it scores four tries or more in the process and loses by a margin of seven points or fewer) 2 Match Points.
• Teams that draw a Match shall each be awarded 2 Match Points and any of them that scores four tries or more in the process shall be awarded a further 1 Match Point.
• A country that wins all five of its Matches (a "Grand Slam”) shall be awarded a further 3 Match Points.

By awarding the three extra points for Grand Slam winners, it eliminates the slim possibility that could have seen a country win all five matches but still lose out on the title. Six Nations chief executive John Feehan says, "We are... conscious that we must reward try scoring and an attacking style of play that will deliver more tries and greater rewards for fans and players alike." Dick Clerkin makes his GAA Hour debut to talk about a wonderful career and argue passionately with Colm Parkinson over Sky Sports GAA. Subscribe here on iTunes.